Tuesday, November 12, 2013

RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said the nation held the army in high esteem for always displaying professional excellence in times of war and peace.

He said this while visiting the General Headquarters (GHQ) here. During a meeting with the Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and principal staff officers‚ the premier said the army had set a historic example by sacrificing lives in defending the motherland.

"Those who have fought for Pakistan‚ Ghazis or Shaheeds‚ have sacrificed their today to ensure a better tomorrow for our future generations and all of them are our benefactors," he added.

He said: "Each soldier of the Pakistan Army enters the battlefield with the passion to lay down his life for the country and the desire to attain martyrdom. It is this passion and high morale that is the biggest strength of our forces. Those who have laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism will be remembered forever," Nawaz said.

He said Pakistan was a democratic and peace-loving country and wanted stability in the world. "The people of Pakistan repose complete trust in democracy and believe that a strong defence and stable democracy are essential for the country," he added.

The prime minister said he had utmost confidence in the professional capabilities of the Pakistan Army and hoped that Pakistan would soon be recognised as a peaceful and developed country among the comity of nations.

The COAS and principal staff officers briefed the premier on the operational environment‚ spectrum of threat‚ national security issues‚ contributions of the Pakistan Army to nation-building and support to the civil administration in law and order situations and natural calamities.

He was also apprised of the engagements of Army battalions in border areas and the level of preparedness for external and internal threats.Nawaz Sharif visited various sections of the GHQ and expressed satisfaction over their performance.

Earlier, COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani received the premier at the headquarters and a smartly turned out contingent of the army presented guard of honor.The premier also placed a floral wreath at the Martyrs Monument and prayed for the Shuhada (martyrs). News From: http://www.7StarNews.com